Just as Apple begins sales of the fourth-generation iPad and the iPad mini today, the embargo has lifted on reviews of Google's Nexus 10 tablet announced earlier this week. The device, which is manufactured by Samsung, builds on the relative success of the Nexus 7 to go head-to-head with the full-size iPad with a screen packing even more pixels than Apple's iPad Retina display.

While tablet manufacturers have been able to make inroads on the market by targeting smaller 7-inch screen sizes, they have had less success competing directly against the full-size iPad. But as each new device packs in the latest features and specs, it is interesting to see how they compare to the iPad, which Apple has tried to keep at the head of the pack with its latest update offering double the performance compared to its predecessor.

We'll type it again just because it's kind of neat: 2,560 x 1,600. That's an awful, awful lot of pixels in just a 10.1-inch PLS LCD panel -- way more than a 1080p HDTV contains. That it's in something that comfortably can be carried around, and that can be acquired for under $400, is quite a marvelous feat. It's good to live in the future.

And, indeed, things look fantastically sharp here. Text is rendered incredibly crisply and the UI looks better than ever. The first-party icons are all crisp and clean, though many third-party app icons do look like they could use a new, higher-resolution rendering. Thankfully, the apps themselves overwhelmingly look fine.

The Nexus 10 feels like Google's open letter to developers. "Look how great Android tablets can be," the company seems to be saying, "if only you'd make great apps!" The Nexus 10's display is every bit the Retina's equal, the build quality is excellent, and it even has a half-decent set of speakers. Android 4.2 is more stable than ever, and Android does a lot of great things iOS simply doesn't. But you take it out of the box, say it's beautiful and fast... then what? Apple's tablet has 250,000-plus other apps that look and work great on a huge, high-res screen, and Android's ecosystem is leagues behind. The Nexus 10 is a great way to watch movies, but there's absolutely no way it's going to replace your laptop the way the iPad could.

The Nexus 10, built by go-to Google partner Samsung, feels like it's built for working and playing. It's grippy and rubbery, and the edges have this gentle slope that fits in hands in a variety of ways. You can hold it with one hand. I found my favorite way to use it was resting on the palm of one hand, like a painter's palette, using it with the other hand. I'd never do that with an iPad.

It's time for Google to step up to the plate and control the entire experience of Android and hardware. Does that mean that other hardware manufacturers should get the shaft? Maybe not, but I think Apple's #1 genius move is that it controls the hardware and software.

Apple has an advantage, but Google is right there on the cusp of something amazing. Maybe you don't agree with my statement that Android has a leg up for the tablet experience, but it's worth thinking about.

Overall, reviewers seem to feel that the Nexus 10 is a quality tablet that is still being held back by issues with Android and content, although TechCrunch remains impressed by the tablet experience on Android. With pricing starting at $399 for a 16 GB model, those looking for an iPad alternative are hoping that momentum at the 7-inch size will help drive developers to better optimize the Android tablet experience and provide a viable competitor for the full-size iPad.

Is it actually that resolution? I heard from some people on the web that it was using Pentile technology so that the effective horizontal resolution ranges between full and half depending on the colors in the image.

I think they're right in saying that Google need to offer a consistent experience through their own branded tablet before developers start putting effort into their apps. The range of devices is too large and fragmented for developers to take the Android platform seriously so hopefully this will go some way to rectifying that.

If the Android app store increases in quality then hopefully Apple will take the threat seriously and put some effort into rejuvenating the iOS software (or rather the GUI). In short: competition is good.

The Nexus 10, built by go-to Google partner Samsung, feels like it's built for working and playing. It's grippy and rubbery, and the edges have this gentle slope that fits in hands in a variety of ways.

That's one thing I hate about Apple's product. The shiny shell is next to useless for a regular human being. I prefer holding my e-ink Kindle (rubbery back) than my iPod touch (stainless steel back).

Yes we can buy a shell for the Apple products, but it's still a flaw. Once again functionality loses over looks. These products are made to be used, not to be looked at on a display.

I don't think that the 10 is as good as the iPad 4, but at $100 less, and with a compelling (but not necessarily as good, depending on your needs) set of features, it's certainly worth a look. Stereo speakers are a definite plus, as is HDMI out.

I still see the iPad 4 as the best option, even given the $100 difference, but this is the first tablet I've considered even worthy to compete in that size range, and it out-Retinas Apple.

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You'll be the one moaning for me to give you some. - THC(taken out of context)

Is it actually that resolution? I heard from some people on the web that it was using Pentile technology so that the effective horizontal resolution ranges between full and half depending on the colors in the image.

Pentile technology is used in some Samsung AMOLED screens, not the PLS LCD's.

And while it is true that the so called eco-system is lacking, Google is making a lot of headway with affordably priced products. Think about it, $349 for an unlocked 16GB Nexus 4 compared to a $649 16GB iPhone 5 is such a steal. Android is still developing itself, but is become better and better with each OS update, and it's only a matter of time before they are on par with iOS. I wish more tech companies would take the reasonably price route instead of following Apple's lead in the "premium" market.

The Nexus 10 feels like Google's open letter to developers. "Look how great Android tablets can be," the company seems to be saying, "if only you'd make great apps!" The Nexus 10's display is every bit the Retina's equal, the build quality is excellent, and it even has a half-decent set of speakers. Android 4.2 is more stable than ever, and Android does a lot of great things iOS simply doesn't. But you take it out of the box, say it's beautiful and fast... then what? Apple's tablet has 250,000-plus other apps that look and work great on a huge, high-res screen, and Android's ecosystem is leagues behind. The Nexus 10 is a great way to watch movies, but there's absolutely no way it's going to replace your laptop the way the iPad could.

Wait, what?

Okay, so I didn't read the full article, so maybe that's why I'm confused, but I'd imagine an Android tablet being a lot more capable of replacing a laptop than an iPad

Is it actually that resolution? I heard from some people on the web that it was using Pentile technology so that the effective horizontal resolution ranges between full and half depending on the colors in the image.

I think they're right in saying that Google need to offer a consistent experience through their own branded tablet before developers start putting effort into their apps. The range of devices is too large and fragmented for developers to take the Android platform seriously so hopefully this will go some way to rectifying that.

If the Android app store increases in quality then hopefully Apple will take the threat seriously and put some effort into rejuvenating the iOS software (or rather the GUI). In short: competition is good.

That's exactly what Google is doing right now. Since the release of ICS Google has pushed out a set of standards they would like to see developers go by. It's still the choice of the developer but the standards are there. The ICS to JB transition kept those values in place, but beefed up performance of the OS.

Nice tablet. But I'll stick to my ipad. If those reviewers talk about the apps like that, them I'm sorry

They also said:

Quote:

Remember when the new iPad shipped and everyone was scrambling to update their apps to support it? There's no need here. The way Android is structured, apps just natively support the higher resolution. We tried dozens of apps, including third-party browsers like Dolphin and lots of different random utilities and games, and we didn't spot a hint of blurry text.

The apps are fine. I won't argue that there aren't more and better apps under iOS, but the gap is becoming quite small with the major exception of games. If you're a gamer, iOS is going to stay your friend for some time at least.

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You'll be the one moaning for me to give you some. - THC(taken out of context)